Understanding the Types of Headaches and What Causes Them
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. While some headaches are mild and short-lived, others can be debilitating. Many people turn to over-the-counter medications for temporary relief, but recurring headaches often indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. ABChiropractic Family & Wellness in St. Charles, MO, is here to help you understand the different types of headaches and their triggers to find effective, long-term relief.
Types of Headaches
- Tension Headaches – These are the most common type of headache. They often feel like a band of pressure or tightness around the head, particularly in the temples or back of the neck. These headaches are typically caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
- Cluster Headaches – Cluster headaches are severe and occur in cyclical patterns, often called "clusters." These headaches cause sharp, intense pain around one eye or on one side of the head. They may be accompanied by redness, tearing, or nasal congestion. Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful and tend to occur at the same time daily for weeks or months.
- Migraines – Migraines are intense headaches that often include throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Many people experience migraines with an "aura," which involves visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots. Triggers for migraines can vary, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and lack of sleep.
- Cervicogenic Headaches – Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the neck. These headaches are often mistaken for migraines but stem from problems such as poor posture, spinal misalignment, or prior neck injuries. The pain typically starts in the neck and radiates to the back or side of the head.
Causes of Headaches
In addition to stress and triggers specific to each headache type, headaches can be caused or exacerbated by:
- Spinal issues like misalignments or poor posture
- Prior injuries such as whiplash or concussions
- Poor sleep habits which disrupt the body's natural recovery processes
How Chiropractors Can Help You Find Relief
Relief from headaches often involves more than painkillers. Our chiropractors at ABChiropractic Family & Wellness use gentle techniques to realign the spine and reduce tension in the neck, addressing headaches caused by spinal issues. Another effective method is Active Release Technique (ART), which targets tight muscles and soft tissues contributing to headache pain. Combining these therapies with lifestyle changes like improving posture, managing stress, and ensuring quality sleep can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Schedule Your Headache Treatment
Whether you are suffering from an occasional tension headache or are suffering the debilitating effects of migraines, chiropractic care can help. When you visit ABChiropractic Family & Wellness, one of our chiropractors will perform a full examination and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today.
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Chiropractic
Headache Treatment
